The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line, today announced that they have filed applications with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) seeking project ratings for both the West Lake Corridor and South Shore Line’s Double Track projects. This infrastructure investment package totals over $977 million and represents the single largest investment in commuter rail in the South Shore’s history. The investment will enhance safety, bring more convenient, frequent and reliable service, and quicker travel times to and from Chicago and equally important set the stage for major economic development around the stations.

According to Mike Noland, South Shore Line President, “this is an exciting day and a key milestone in seeking federal funding. We are requesting that 50% of the project funding be covered by the federal government with the balance covered by a combination of already committed state and local funds. The FTA will now evaluate and rate our projects as we continue to wrap-up the environmental work for both West Lake and Double Track. We expect to hear the results of this rating process sometime in early February 2018 as the Administration prepares its 2019 budget.”

“We would like to acknowledge the incredible level of robust support that both projects have received from communities throughout our 4-county service area, and especially those directly served by the South Shore; and all the communities in Lake County who chose to participate in West Lake funding.” Noland went on to highlight the critical participation of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority in completing the funding package and the steadfast bi-partisan support of Governor Holcomb, the Indiana General Assembly, our Congressional delegation led by Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young, and Representatives Peter Visclosky and Jackie Walorski.

We’ve also attached a media release issued yesterday by the Northwest Indiana RDA with quotes from Governor Eric Holcomb and Congressman Peter Visclosky highlighting the importance of these investments to State’s strategic vision for Indiana.